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Abstract
The aim of our study was to apply the German knowledge about green roofs to Scandinavian climatic conditions and develop a very thin multi-layered extensive green roof. This paper presents methodology used in the analysis of plant performance and some information about the important factors that determine the establishment of a green roof. Our study investigated the impact of substrate composition, establishment method and species composition on plant cover and plant dynamics. Three soil substrates were investigated to understand their impact on plant performance. Plant combinations, using the genus Sedum were tested to see how different plant varieties function. Vegetation was established by prefabricated vegetation mats, planting of individual Sedum plants and establishment by the use of Sedum shoots. Plant cover in the research plots was investigated using the point-intercept method. The development of the vegetation was measured two times per year in fixed quadrants. Pre-fabricated vegetation mats ensured a high initial cover, but high cover was also created by the other two techniques. No great difference could be found between the cover in plots established by plug-plants compared to plots established with shoots. Some tree species were able to establish, highlighting the need for proper maintenance.
The aim of our study was to apply the German knowledge about green roofs to Scandinavian climatic conditions and develop a very thin multi-layered extensive green roof. This paper presents methodology used in the analysis of plant performance and some information about the important factors that determine the establishment of a green roof. Our study investigated the impact of substrate composition, establishment method and species composition on plant cover and plant dynamics. Three soil substrates were investigated to understand their impact on plant performance. Plant combinations, using the genus Sedum were tested to see how different plant varieties function. Vegetation was established by prefabricated vegetation mats, planting of individual Sedum plants and establishment by the use of Sedum shoots. Plant cover in the research plots was investigated using the point-intercept method. The development of the vegetation was measured two times per year in fixed quadrants. Pre-fabricated vegetation mats ensured a high initial cover, but high cover was also created by the other two techniques. No great difference could be found between the cover in plots established by plug-plants compared to plots established with shoots. Some tree species were able to establish, highlighting the need for proper maintenance.
Date
5/2003
5/2003
Author(s)
Tobias Emilsson
Tobias Emilsson
Page(s)
Keyword(s)
green roof; plant performance
green roof; plant performance